Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)

626
TECHNICAL
Introduction
Fisher

regulators and valves have traditionally been sized using

equations derived by the company. There are now standardized
calculations that are becoming accepted worldwide. Some product
literature continues to demonstrate the traditional method, but
the trend is to adopt the standardized method. Therefore, both
methods are covered in this application guide.
Improper valve sizing can be both expensive and inconvenient.
A valve that is too small will not pass the required fow, and
the process will be starved. An oversized valve will be more
expensive, and it may lead to instability and other problems.
The days of selecting a valve based upon the size of the pipeline
are gone. Selecting the correct valve size for a given application
requires a knowledge of process conditions that the valve will
actually see in service. The technique for using this information
to size the valve is based upon a combination of theory
and experimentation.
Sizing for Liquid Service
Using the principle of conservation of energy, Daniel Bernoulli
found that as a liquid fows through an orifce, the square of the
fuid velocity is directly proportional to the pressure differential
across the orifce and inversely proportional to the specifc gravity
of the fuid. The greater the pressure differential, the higher the
velocity; the greater the density, the lower the velocity. The
volume fow rate for liquids can be calculated by multiplying the
fuid velocity times the fow area.
By taking into account units of measurement, the proportionality
relationship previously mentioned, energy losses due to friction
and turbulence, and varying discharge coeffcients for various
types of orifces (or valve bodies), a basic liquid sizing equation
can be written as follows
Q = C
V
P / G (1)
where:
Q = Capacity in gallons per minute
C
v
= Valve sizing coeffcient determined experimentally for
each style and size of valve, using water at standard
conditions as the test fuid
P = Pressure differential in psi
G = Specifc gravity of fuid (water at 60F = 1.0000)
Thus, C
v
is numerically equal to the number of U.S. gallons of
water at 60F that will fow through the valve in one minute when
the pressure differential across the valve is one pound per square
inch. C
v
varies with both size and style of valve, but provides an
index for comparing liquid capacities of different valves under a
standard set of conditions.
To aid in establishing uniform measurement of liquid fow capacity
coeffcients (C
v
) among valve manufacturers, the Fluid Controls
Institute (FCI) developed a standard test piping arrangement,
shown in Figure 1. Using such a piping arrangement, most
valve manufacturers develop and publish C
v
information for
their products, making it relatively easy to compare capacities of
competitive products.
To calculate the expected C
v
for a valve controlling water or other
liquids that behave like water, the basic liquid sizing equation
above can be re-written as follows
C
V
= Q
G
P
(2)
Viscosity Corrections
Viscous conditions can result in signifcant sizing errors in using
the basic liquid sizing equation, since published C
v
values are
based on test data using water as the fow medium. Although the
majority of valve applications will involve fuids where viscosity
corrections can be ignored, or where the corrections are relatively
small, fuid viscosity should be considered in each valve selection.
Emerson Process Management has developed a nomograph
(Figure 2) that provides a viscosity correction factor (F
v
). It can
be applied to the standard C
v
coeffcient to determine a corrected
coeffcient (C
vr
) for viscous applications.
Finding Valve Size
Using the C
v
determined by the basic liquid sizing equation and
the fow and viscosity conditions, a fuid Reynolds number can be
found by using the nomograph in Figure 2. The graph of Reynolds
number vs. viscosity correction factor (F
v
) is used to determine
the correction factor needed. (If the Reynolds number is greater
than 3500, the correction will be ten percent or less.) The actual
required C
v
(C
vr
) is found by the equation:
C
vr
= F
V
C
V
(3)
From the valve manufacturers published liquid capacity
information, select a valve having a C
v
equal to or higher than the
required coeffcient (C
vr
) found by the equation above.
Figure 1. Standard FCI Test Piping for C
v
Measurement
PRESSURE
INDICATORS
P ORIFICE
METER
INLET VALVE TEST VALVE LOAD VALVE
FLOW
627
TECHNICAL
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
3000
3,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1 2 3 4 6
C
INDEX
8 10 20 30 40 60 80 100 200
1 2 3 4 6 8 10 20 30 40 60 80 100 200
2000
2,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
6,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
1,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
6,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
20,000
20,000
30,000
30,000
40,000
40,000
60,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
100,000
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
800
800
600
600
400
400
300
300
200
200
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
35
32.6
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
1,000
1,000
800
600
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
10
8
8
6
6
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.3
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.008
0.008
0.006
0.006
0.004
0.004 0.003
0.003
0.002
0.002
0 .001
0.001
0.0008
0.0008 0.0006
0.0006
0.0004
0.0004 0.0003
0.0003
0.0002
0.0002
0.0001
0.0001
1000
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
Figure 2. Nomograph for Determining Viscosity Correction
Nomograph Instructions
Use this nomograph to correct for the effects of viscosity. When
assembling data, all units must correspond to those shown on the
nomograph. For high-recovery, ball-type valves, use the liquid
fow rate Q scale designated for single-ported valves. For butterfy
and eccentric disk rotary valves, use the liquid fow rate Q scale
designated for double-ported valves.
Nomograph Equations
1. Single-Ported Valves:
N
R
= 17250
Q
C
V

CS
2. Double-Ported Valves:
N
R
= 12200
Q
C
V

CS
Nomograph Procedure
1. Lay a straight edge on the liquid sizing coeffcient on C
v

scale and fow rate on Q scale. Mark intersection on index
line. Procedure A uses value of C
vc
; Procedures B and C use
value of C
vr
.
2. Pivot the straight edge from this point of intersection with
index line to liquid viscosity on proper n scale. Read Reynolds
number on N
R
scale.
3. Proceed horizontally from intersection on N
R
scale to proper
curve, and then vertically upward or downward to F
v
scale.
Read C
v
correction factor on F
v
scale.
3000
3,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1 2 3 4 6
C
INDEX
8 10 20 30 40 60 80 100 200
1 2 3 4 6 8 10 20 30 40 60 80 100 200
2000
2,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
6,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
1,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
6,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
20,000
20,000
30,000
30,000
40,000
40,000
60,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
100,000
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
800
800
600
600
400
400
300
300
200
200
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
35
32.6
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
1,000
1,000
800
600
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
10
8
8
6
6
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.3
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.008
0.008 0.006
0.006
0.004
0.004 0.003
0.003 0.002
0.002
0 .001
0.001
0.0008
0.0008 0.0006
0.0006 0.0004
0.0004 0.0003
0.0003 0.0002
0.0002
0.0001
0.0001
1000
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
L
I
Q
U
I
D

F
L
O
W

C
O
E
F
F
I
C
I
E
N
T
,

C
V
C
V
L
I
Q
U
I
D

F
L
O
W

R
A
T
E

(
S
I
N
G
L
E

P
O
R
T
E
D

O
N
L
Y
)
,

G
P
M
Q
L
I
Q
U
I
D

F
L
O
W

R
A
T
E

(
D
O
U
B
L
E

P
O
R
T
E
D

O
N
L
Y
)
,

G
P
M
K
I
N
E
M
A
T
I
C

V
I
S
C
O
S
I
T
Y

V
C
S

-

C
E
N
T
I
S
T
O
K
E
S
V
I
S
C
O
S
I
T
Y

-

S
A
Y
B
O
L
T

S
E
C
O
N
D
S

U
N
I
V
E
R
S
A
L
R
E
Y
N
O
L
D
S

N
U
M
B
E
R

-

N
R
C
V
CORRECTION FACTOR, F
V INDEX
C
V
CORRECTION FACTOR, F
V
H
R
F
V
FOR PREDICTING PRESSURE DROP
FOR SELECTING VALVE SIZE
FOR PREDICTING
FLOW RATE
3000
3,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1 2 3 4 6
C
INDEX
8 10 20 30 40 60 80 100 200
1 2 3 4 6 8 10 20 30 40 60 80 100 200
2000
2,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
6,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
1,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
6,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
20,000
20,000
30,000
30,000
40,000
40,000
60,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
100,000
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
800
800
600
600
400
400
300
300
200
200
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
35
32.6
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
1,000
1,000
800
600
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
10
8
8
6
6
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.3
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.008
0.008
0.006
0.006
0.004
0.004 0.003
0.003
0.002
0.002
0 .001
0.001
0.0008
0.0008 0.0006
0.0006
0.0004
0.0004 0.0003
0.0003
0.0002
0.0002
0.0001
0.0001
1000
800
600
400
300
200
100
80
60
40
30
20
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
628
TECHNICAL
Predicting Flow Rate
Select the required liquid sizing coeffcient (C
vr
) from the
manufacturers published liquid sizing coeffcients (C
v
) for the
style and size valve being considered. Calculate the maximum
fow rate (Q
max
) in gallons per minute (assuming no viscosity
correction required) using the following adaptation of the basic
liquid sizing equation:
Q
max
= C
vr
P / G (4)
Then incorporate viscosity correction by determining the fuid
Reynolds number and correction factor F
v
from the viscosity
correction nomograph and the procedure included on it.
Calculate the predicted fow rate (Q
pred
) using the formula:
Q
pred
=
Q
max
F
V
(5)
Predicting Pressure Drop
Select the required liquid sizing coeffcient (C
vr
) from the published
liquid sizing coeffcients (C
v
) for the valve style and size being
considered. Determine the Reynolds number and correct factor F
v

from the nomograph and the procedure on it. Calculate the sizing
coeffcient (C
vc
) using the formula:

C
VC
=
C
vr
F
v
(6)
Calculate the predicted pressure drop (P
pred
) using the formula:
P
pred
= G (Q/C
vc
)
2
(7)
Flashing and Cavitation
The occurrence of fashing or cavitation within a valve can have a
signifcant effect on the valve sizing procedure. These two related
physical phenomena can limit fow through the valve in many
applications and must be taken into account in order to accurately
size a valve. Structural damage to the valve and adjacent piping
may also result. Knowledge of what is actually happening within
the valve might permit selection of a size or style of valve which
can reduce, or compensate for, the undesirable effects of fashing
or cavitation.
The physical phenomena label is used to describe fashing and
cavitation because these conditions represent actual changes in
the form of the fuid media. The change is from the liquid state
to the vapor state and results from the increase in fuid velocity at
or just downstream of the greatest fow restriction, normally the
valve port. As liquid fow passes through the restriction, there is a
necking down, or contraction, of the fow stream. The minimum
cross-sectional area of the fow stream occurs just downstream of
the actual physical restriction at a point called the vena contracta,
as shown in Figure 3.
To maintain a steady fow of liquid through the valve, the velocity
must be greatest at the vena contracta, where cross sectional
area is the least. The increase in velocity (or kinetic energy) is
accompanied by a substantial decrease in pressure (or potential
energy) at the vena contracta. Farther downstream, as the fuid
stream expands into a larger area, velocity decreases and pressure
increases. But, of course, downstream pressure never recovers
completely to equal the pressure that existed upstream of the
valve. The pressure differential (P) that exists across the valve
Figure 3. Vena Contracta
Figure 4. Comparison of Pressure Proles for
High and Low Recovery Valves
VENA CONTRACTA
RESTRICTION
FLOW
FLOW
P
1
P
2
P
1
P
2
P
2
P
2
HIGH RECOVERY
LOW RECOVERY
P
1
629
TECHNICAL
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
is a measure of the amount of energy that was dissipated in the
valve. Figure 4 provides a pressure profle explaining the differing
performance of a streamlined high recovery valve, such as a ball
valve and a valve with lower recovery capabilities due to greater
internal turbulence and dissipation of energy.
Regardless of the recovery characteristics of the valve, the pressure
differential of interest pertaining to fashing and cavitation is the
differential between the valve inlet and the vena contracta. If
pressure at the vena contracta should drop below the vapor pressure
of the fuid (due to increased fuid velocity at this point) bubbles
will form in the fow stream. Formation of bubbles will increase
greatly as vena contracta pressure drops further below the vapor
pressure of the liquid. At this stage, there is no difference between
fashing and cavitation, but the potential for structural damage to
the valve defnitely exists.
If pressure at the valve outlet remains below the vapor pressure
of the liquid, the bubbles will remain in the downstream system
and the process is said to have fashed. Flashing can produce
serious erosion damage to the valve trim parts and is characterized
by a smooth, polished appearance of the eroded surface. Flashing
damage is normally greatest at the point of highest velocity, which
is usually at or near the seat line of the valve plug and seat ring.
However, if downstream pressure recovery is suffcient to raise the
outlet pressure above the vapor pressure of the liquid, the bubbles
will collapse, or implode, producing cavitation. Collapsing of the
vapor bubbles releases energy and produces a noise similar to what
one would expect if gravel were fowing through the valve. If the
bubbles collapse in close proximity to solid surfaces, the energy
released gradually wears the material leaving a rough, cylinder
like surface. Cavitation damage might extend to the downstream
pipeline, if that is where pressure recovery occurs and the bubbles
collapse. Obviously, high recovery valves tend to be more
subject to cavitation, since the downstream pressure is more likely
to rise above the vapor pressure of the liquid.
Choked Flow
Aside from the possibility of physical equipment damage due to
fashing or cavitation, formation of vapor bubbles in the liquid fow
stream causes a crowding condition at the vena contracta which
tends to limit fow through the valve. So, while the basic liquid
sizing equation implies that there is no limit to the amount of fow
through a valve as long as the differential pressure across the valve
increases, the realities of fashing and cavitation prove otherwise.
If valve pressure drop is increased slightly beyond the point where
bubbles begin to form, a choked fow condition is reached. With
constant upstream pressure, further increases in pressure drop (by
reducing downstream pressure) will not produce increased fow.
The limiting pressure differential is designated P
allow
and the valve
recovery coeffcient (K
m
) is experimentally determined for each
valve, in order to relate choked fow for that particular valve to the
basic liquid sizing equation. K
m
is normally published with other
valve capacity coeffcients. Figures 5 and 6 show these fow vs.
pressure drop relationships.
Figure 5. Flow Curve Showing C
v
and K
m
CHOKED FLOW
PLOT OF EQUATION (1)
P
1
= CONSTANT
P (ALLOWABLE)
C
v
Q
(GPM) K
m
P
Figure 6. Relationship Between Actual P and P Allowable
P (ALLOWABLE)
ACTUAL P
PREDICTED FLOW USING
ACTUAL P
C
v
Q
(GPM)
ACTUAL
FLOW
P
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
630
TECHNICAL
Use the following equation to determine maximum allowable
pressure drop that is effective in producing fow. Keep in mind,
however, that the limitation on the sizing pressure drop, P
allow
,
does not imply a maximum pressure drop that may be controlled y
the valve.
P
allow
= K
m
(P
1
- r
c
P
v
) (8)
where:
P
allow
= maximum allowable differential pressure for sizing
purposes, psi
K
m
= valve recovery coeffcient from manufacturers literature
P
1
= body inlet pressure, psia
r
c
= critical pressure ratio determined from Figures 7 and 8
P
v
= vapor pressure of the liquid at body inlet temperature,
psia (vapor pressures and critical pressures for
many common liquids are provided in the Physical
Constants of Hydrocarbons and Physical Constants
of Fluids tables; refer to the Table of Contents for the
page number).
After calculating P
allow
, substitute it into the basic liquid sizing
equation Q = C
V
P / G to determine either Q or C
v
. If the
actual P is less the P
allow
, then the actual P should be used in
the equation.
The equation used to determine P
allow
should also be used to
calculate the valve body differential pressure at which signifcant
cavitation can occur. Minor cavitation will occur at a slightly lower
pressure differential than that predicted by the equation, but should
produce negligible damage in most globe-style control valves.
Consequently, initial cavitation and choked fow occur nearly
simultaneously in globe-style or low-recovery valves.
However, in high-recovery valves such as ball or butterfy valves,
signifcant cavitation can occur at pressure drops below that which
produces choked fow. So although P
allow
and K
m
are useful in
predicting choked fow capacity, a separate cavitation index (K
c
) is
needed to determine the pressure drop at which cavitation damage
will begin (P
c
) in high-recovery valves.
The equation can e expressed:
P
C
= K
C
(P
1
- P
V
) (9)
This equation can be used anytime outlet pressure is greater than
the vapor pressure of the liquid.
Addition of anti-cavitation trim tends to increase the value of K
m
.
In other words, choked fow and incipient cavitation will occur at
substantially higher pressure drops than was the case without the
anti-cavitation accessory.
Figure 7. Critical Pressure Ratios for Water Figure 8. Critical Pressure Ratios for Liquid Other than Water
USE THIS CURVE FOR WATER. ENTER ON THE ABSCISSA AT THE WATER VAPOR PRESSURE AT THE
VALVE INLET. PROCEED VERTICALLY TO INTERSECT THE
CURVE. MOVE HORIZONTALLY TO THE LEFT TO READ THE CRITICAL
PRESSURE RATIO, R
C
, ON THE ORDINATE.
USE THIS CURVE FOR LIQUIDS OTHER THAN WATER. DETERMINE THE VAPOR
PRESSURE/CRITICAL PRESSURE RATIO BY DIVIDING THE LIQUID VAPOR PRESSURE
AT THE VALVE INLET BY THE CRITICAL PRESSURE OF THE LIQUID. ENTER ON THE ABSCISSA AT THE
RATIO JUST CALCULATED AND PROCEED VERTICALLY TO
INTERSECT THE CURVE. MOVE HORIZONTALLY TO THE LEFT AND READ THE CRITICAL
PRESSURE RATIO, R
C
, ON THE ORDINATE.
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
C
R
I
T
I
C
A
L

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

R
A
T
I
O

r
c
0 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.0
VAPOR PRESSURE, PSIA
CRITICAL PRESSURE, PSIA
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
C
R
I
T
I
C
A
L

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

R
A
T
I
O

r
c
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
VAPOR PRESSURE, PSIA
631
TECHNICAL
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
Liquid Sizing Summary
The most common use of the basic liquid sizing equation is
to determine the proper valve size for a given set of service
conditions. The frst step is to calculate the required C
v
by using
the sizing equation. The P used in the equation must be the actual
valve pressure drop or P
allow
, whichever is smaller. The second
step is to select a valve, from the manufacturers literature, with a
C
v
equal to or greater than the calculated value.
Accurate valve sizing for liquids requires use of the dual
coeffcients of C
v
and K
m
. A single coeffcient is not suffcient
to describe both the capacity and the recovery characteristics of
the valve. Also, use of the additional cavitation index factor K
c

is appropriate in sizing high recovery valves, which may develop
damaging cavitation at pressure drops well below the level of the
choked fow.
Liquid Sizing Nomenclature
C
v
= valve sizing coeffcient for liquid determined
experimentally for each size and style of valve, using
water at standard conditions as the test fuid
C
vc
= calculated C
v
coeffcient including correction
for viscosity
C
vr
= corrected sizing coeffcient required for
viscous applications
P = differential pressure, psi

P
allow
= maximum allowable differential pressure for sizing
purposes, psi

P
c
= pressure differential at which cavitation damage
begins, psi
F
v
= viscosity correction factor
G = specifc gravity of fuid (water at 60F = 1.0000)
K
c
= dimensionless cavitation index used in
determining P
c
K
m
= valve recovery coeffcient from
manufacturers literature
P
1
= body inlet pressure, psia
P
v
= vapor pressure of liquid at body inlet
temperature, psia
Q = fow rate capacity, gallons per minute
Q
max
= designation for maximum fow rate, assuming no
viscosity correction required, gallons per minute
Q
pred
= predicted fow rate after incorporating viscosity
correction, gallons per minute
r
c
= critical pressure ratio
Liquid Sizing Equation Application
EQUATION APPLICATION
1
Basic liquid sizing equation. Use to determine proper valve size for a given set of service conditions.
(Remember that viscosity effects and valve recovery capabilities are not considered in this basic equation.)
2 Use to calculate expected C
v
for valve controlling water or other liquids that behave like water.
3 C
vr
= F
V
C
V
Use to fnd actual required C
v
for equation (2) after including viscosity correction factor.
4 Use to fnd maximum fow rate assuming no viscosity correction is necessary.
5 Use to predict actual fow rate based on equation (4) and viscosity factor correction.
6 Use to calculate corrected sizing coeffcient for use in equation (7).
7 P
pred
= G (Q/C
vc
)
2
Use to predict pressure drop for viscous liquids.
8 P
allow
= K
m
(P
1
- r
c
P
v
) Use to determine maximum allowable pressure drop that is effective in producing fow.
9 P
C
= K
C
(P
1
- P
V
) Use to predict pressure drop at which cavitation will begin in a valve with high recovery characteristics.
Q = C
v
P / G
C
V
= Q
G
P
Q
max
= C
vr
P / G
Q
pred
=
Q
max
F
V
C
VC
=
C
vr
F
v
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
632
TECHNICAL
Sizing for Gas or Steam Service
A sizing procedure for gases can be established based on adaptions
of the basic liquid sizing equation. By introducing conversion
factors to change fow units from gallons per minute to cubic
feet per hour and to relate specifc gravity in meaningful terms
of pressure, an equation can be derived for the fow of air at
60F. Because 60F corresponds to 520 on the Rankine absolute
temperature scale, and because the specifc gravity of air at 60F
is 1.0, an additional factor can be included to compare air at 60F
with specifc gravity (G) and absolute temperature (T) of any other
gas. The resulting equation an be written:

(A)
The equation shown above, while valid at very low pressure
drop ratios, has been found to be very misleading when the ratio
of pressure drop (P) to inlet pressure (P
1
) exceeds 0.02. The
deviation of actual fow capacity from the calculated fow capacity
is indicated in Figure 8 and results from compressibility effects and
critical fow limitations at increased pressure drops.
Critical fow limitation is the more signifcant of the two problems
mentioned. Critical fow is a choked fow condition caused by
increased gas velocity at the vena contracta. When velocity at the
vena contracta reaches sonic velocity, additional increases in P
by reducing downstream pressure produce no increase in fow.
So, after critical fow condition is reached (whether at a pressure
drop/inlet pressure ratio of about 0.5 for glove valves or at much
lower ratios for high recovery valves) the equation above becomes
completely useless. If applied, the C
v
equation gives a much higher
indicated capacity than actually will exist. And in the case of a
high recovery valve which reaches critical fow at a low pressure
drop ratio (as indicated in Figure 8), the critical fow capacity of
the valve may be over-estimated by as much as 300 percent.
The problems in predicting critical fow with a C
v
-based equation
led to a separate gas sizing coeffcient based on air fow tests.
The coeffcient (C
g
) was developed experimentally for each
type and size of valve to relate critical fow to absolute inlet
pressure. By including the correction factor used in the previous
equation to compare air at 60F with other gases at other absolute
temperatures, the critical fow equation an be written:
Q
critical
= C
g
P
1
520 / GT (B)
Figure 9. Critical Flow for High and Low Recovery
Valves with Equal C
v
Universal Gas Sizing Equation
To account for differences in fow geometry among valves,
equations (A) and (B) were consolidated by the introduction of
an additional factor (C
1
). C
1
is defned as the ratio of the gas
sizing coeffcient and the liquid sizing coeffcient and provides a
numerical indicator of the valves recovery capabilities. In general,
C
1
values can range from about 16 to 37, based on the individual
valves recovery characteristics. As shown in the example, two
valves with identical fow areas and identical critical fow (C
g
)
capacities can have widely differing C
1
values dependent on the
effect internal fow geometry has on liquid fow capacity through
each valve. Example:
High Recovery Valve
C
g
= 4680
C
v
= 254
C
1
= C
g
/C
v

= 4680/254
= 18.4
Low Recovery Valve
C
g
= 4680
C
v
= 135
C
1
= C
g
/C
v
= 4680/135
= 34.7
Q
SCFH
= 59.64 C
V
P
1
P
P
1
520
GT
HIGH RECOVERY
LOW RECOVERY
C
v
Q
P
P
1
= 0.5
P
P
1
= 0.15
P / P
1
633
TECHNICAL
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
So we see that two sizing coeffcients are needed to accurately
size valves for gas fow C
g
to predict fow based on physical size
or fow area, and C
1
to account for differences in valve recovery
characteristics. A blending equation, called the Universal Gas
Sizing Equation, combines equations (A) and (B) by means of a
sinusoidal function, and is based on the perfect gas laws. It can
be expressed in either of the following manners:

(C)
OR

(D)
In either form, the equation indicates critical fow when the sine
function of the angle designated within the brackets equals unity.
The pressure drop ratio at which critical fow occurs is known
as the critical pressure drop ratio. It occurs when the sine angle
reaches /2 radians in equation (C) or 90 degrees in equation
(D). As pressure drop across the valve increases, the sine angle
increases from zero up to /2 radians (90). If the angle were
allowed to increase further, the equations would predict a decrease
in fow. Because this is not a realistic situation, the angle must be
limited to 90 degrees maximum.
Although perfect gases, as such, do not exist in nature, there are a
great many applications where the Universal Gas Sizing Equation,
(C) or (D), provides a very useful and usable approximation.
General Adaptation for Steam and Vapors
The density form of the Universal Gas Sizing Equation is the most
general form and can be used for both perfect and non-perfect gas
applications. Applying the equation requires knowledge of one
additional condition not included in previous equations, that being
the inlet gas, steam, or vapor density (d
1
) in pounds per cubic foot.
(Steam density can be determined from tables.)
Then the following adaptation of the Universal Gas Sizing
Equation can be applied:

(E)
Special Equation Form for Steam Below 1000 psig
If steam applications do not exceed 1000 psig, density changes can
be compensated for by using a special adaptation of the Universal
Gas Sizing Equation. It incorporates a factor for amount of
superheat in degrees Fahrenheit (T
sh
) and also a sizing coeffcient
(C
s
) for steam. Equation (F) eliminates the need for fnding the
density of superheated steam, which was required in Equation
(E). At pressures below 1000 psig, a constant relationship exists
between the gas sizing coeffcient (C
g
) and the steam coeffcient
(C
s
). This relationship can be expressed: C
s
= C
g
/20. For higher
steam pressure application, use Equation (E).

(F)
Gas and Steam Sizing Summary
The Universal Gas Sizing Equation can be used to determine
the fow of gas through any style of valve. Absolute units of
temperature and pressure must be used in the equation. When the
critical pressure drop ratio causes the sine angle to be 90 degrees,
the equation will predict the value of the critical fow. For service
conditions that would result in an angle of greater than 90 degrees,
the equation must be limited to 90 degrees in order to accurately
determine the critical fow.
Most commonly, the Universal Gas Sizing Equation is used to
determine proper valve size for a given set of service conditions.
The frst step is to calculate the required C
g
by using the Universal
Gas Sizing Equation. The second step is to select a valve from
the manufacturers literature. The valve selected should have a C
g
which equals or exceeds the calculated value. Be certain that the
assumed C
1
value for the valve is selected from the literature.
It is apparent that accurate valve sizing for gases that requires use
of the dual coeffcient is not suffcient to describe both the capacity
and the recovery characteristics of the valve.
Proper selection of a control valve for gas service is a highly
technical problem with many factors to be considered. Leading
valve manufacturers provide technical information, test data, sizing
catalogs, nomographs, sizing slide rules, and computer or calculator
programs that make valve sizing a simple and accurate procedure.
Q
lb/hr
=
C
S
P
1
1 + 0.00065T
sh
SIN
3417
C
1
P
P
1
Deg
Q
SCFH
=
520
GT
C
g
P
1
SIN
59.64
C
1
P
P
1
rad
Q
SCFH
=
520
GT
C
g
P
1
SIN
3417
C
1
P
P
1
Deg
Q
lb/hr
= 1.06 d
1
P
1
C
g
SIN Deg
3417
C
1
P
P
1
Valve Sizing Calculations (Traditional Method)
634
TECHNICAL
Gas and Steam Sizing Equation Application
EQUATION APPLICATION
A Use only at very low pressure drop (DP/P
1
) ratios of 0.02 or less.
B Use only to determine critical fow capacity at a given inlet pressure.
C
D
OR
Universal Gas Sizing Equation.
Use to predict fow for either high or low recovery valves, for any gas adhering to the
perfect gas laws, and under any service conditions.
E
Use to predict fow for perfect or non-perfect gas sizing applications, for any vapor
including steam, at any service condition when fuid density is known.
F Use only to determine steam fow when inlet pressure is 1000 psig or less.
C
1
= C
g
/C
v
C
g
= gas sizing coeffcient
C
s
= steam sizing coeffcient, C
g
/20
C
v
= liquid sizing coeffcient
d
1
= density of steam or vapor at inlet, pounds/cu. foot
G = gas specifc gravity (air = 1.0)
P
1
= valve inlet pressure, psia
Gas and Steam Sizing Nomenclature
P = pressure drop across valve, psi
Q
critical
= critical fow rate, SCFH
Q
SCFH
= gas fow rate, SCFH
Q
lb/hr
= steam or vapor fow rate, pounds per hour
T = absolute temperature of gas at inlet, degrees Rankine
T
sh
= degrees of superheat, F
Q
SCFH
= 59.64 C
V
P
1
P
P
1
520
GT
Q
critical
= C
g
P
1
520 / GT
Q
lb/hr
=
C
S
P
1
1 + 0.00065T
sh
SIN
3417
C
1
P
P
1
Deg
Q
SCFH
=
520
GT
C
g
P
1
SIN
59.64
C
1
P
P
1
rad
Q
SCFH
=
520
GT
C
g
P
1
SIN
3417
C
1
P
P
1
Deg
Q
lb/hr
= 1.06 d
1
P
1
C
g
SIN Deg
3417
C
1
P
P
1
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
635
TECHNICAL
Introduction
Fisher

regulators and valves have traditionally been sized using

equations derived by the company. There are now standardized
calculations that are becoming accepted world wide. Some product
literature continues to demonstrate the traditional method, but the
trend is to adopt the standardized method. Therefore, both methods
are covered in this application guide.
Liquid Valve Sizing
Standardization activities for control valve sizing can be traced
back to the early 1960s when a trade association, the Fluids Control
Institute, published sizing equations for use with both compressible
and incompressible fuids. The range of service conditions that
could be accommodated accurately by these equations was quite
narrow, and the standard did not achieve a high degree of acceptance.
In 1967, the ISA established a committee to develop and publish
standard equations. The efforts of this committee culminated in
a valve sizing procedure that has achieved the status of American
National Standard. Later, a committee of the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) used the ISA works as a basis to
formulate international standards for sizing control valves. (Some
information in this introductory material has been extracted from
ANSI/ISA S75.01 standard with the permission of the publisher,
the ISA.) Except for some slight differences in nomenclature and
procedures, the ISA and IEC standards have been harmonized.
ANSI/ISA Standard S75.01 is harmonized with IEC Standards 534-
2-1 and 534-2-2. (IEC Publications 534-2, Sections One and Two for
incompressible and compressible fuids, respectively.)
In the following sections, the nomenclature and procedures are explained,
and sample problems are solved to illustrate their use.
Sizing Valves for Liquids
Following is a step-by-step procedure for the sizing of control valves for
liquid fow using the IEC procedure. Each of these steps is important
and must be considered during any valve sizing procedure. Steps 3 and
4 concern the determination of certain sizing factors that may or may not
be required in the sizing equation depending on the service conditions of
the sizing problem. If one, two, or all three of these sizing factors are to
be included in the equation for a particular sizing problem, refer to the
appropriate factor determination section(s) located in the text after the
sixth step.
1. Specify the variables required to size the valve as follows:
Desired design
Process fuid (water, oil, etc.), and
Appropriate service conditions q or w, P
1
, P
2
, or P, T
1
, G
f
, P
v
,
P
c
, and .
The ability to recognize which terms are appropriate for
a specifc sizing procedure can only be acquired through
experience with different valve sizing problems. If any
of the above terms appears to be new or unfamiliar, refer
to the Abbreviations and Terminology Table 3-1 for a
complete defnition.
2. Determine the equation constant, N.
N is a numerical constant contained in each of the fow equations
to provide a means for using different systems of units. Values
for these various constants and their applicable units are given in
the Equation Constants Table 3-2.
Use N
1
, if sizing the valve for a fow rate in volumetric units
(GPM or Nm
3
/h).
Use N
6
, if sizing the valve for a fow rate in mass units
(pound/hr or kg/hr).
3. Determine F
p
, the piping geometry factor.
F
p
is a correction factor that accounts for pressure losses due
to piping fttings such as reducers, elbows, or tees that might
be attached directly to the inlet and outlet connections of the
control valve to be sized. If such fttings are attached to the
valve, the F
p
factor must be considered in the sizing procedure.
If, however, no fttings are attached to the valve, F
p
has a value of
1.0 and simply drops out of the sizing equation.
For rotary valves with reducers (swaged installations),
and other valve designs and ftting styles, determine the F
p

factors by using the procedure for determining F
p
, the Piping
Geometry Factor, page 637.

4. Determine q
max
(the maximum fow rate at given upstream
conditions) or P
max
(the allowable sizing pressure drop).
The maximum or limiting fow rate (q
max
), commonly called
choked fow, is manifested by no additional increase in fow
rate with increasing pressure differential with fxed upstream
conditions. In liquids, choking occurs as a result of
vaporization of the liquid when the static pressure within
the valve drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid.
The IEC standard requires the calculation of an allowable
sizing pressure drop (P
max
), to account for the possibility
of choked fow conditions within the valve. The calculated
P
max
value is compared with the actual pressure drop specifed
in the service conditions, and the lesser of these two values
is used in the sizing equation. If it is desired to use P
max
to
account for the possibility of choked fow conditions, it can
be calculated using the procedure for determining q
max
, the
Maximum Flow Rate, or P
max
, the Allowable Sizing Pressure
Drop. If it can be recognized that choked fow conditions will
not develop within the valve, P
max
need not be calculated.
5. Solve for required C
v
, using the appropriate equation:
For volumetric fow rate units:
C
v
=
q
N
1
F
p
P
1
- P
2
G
f


For mass fow rate units:

C
v
=
w
N
6
F
p
(P
1
-P
2
)
In addition to C
v
, two other fow coeffcients, K
v
and A
v
, are
used, particularly outside of North America. The following
relationships exist:
K
v
= (0.865) (C
v
)
A
v
= (2.40 x 10
-5
) (C
v
)
6. Select the valve size using the appropriate fow coeffcient
table and the calculated C
v
value.
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
636
TECHNICAL
Table 3-1. Abbreviations and Terminology
SYMBOL SYMBOL
C
v
Valve sizing coeffcient P
1
Upstream absolute static pressure
d Nominal valve size P
2
Downstream absolute static pressure
D Internal diameter of the piping P
c
Absolute thermodynamic critical pressure
F
d
Valve style modifer, dimensionless P
v
Vapor pressure absolute of liquid
at inlet temperature
F
F
Liquid critical pressure ratio factor,
dimensionless
P Pressure drop (P
1
-P
2
) across the valve
F
k
Ratio of specifc heats factor, dimensionless P
max(L)
Maximum allowable liquid sizing
pressure drop
F
L
Rated liquid pressure recovery factor,
dimensionless
P
max(LP)
Maximum allowable sizing pressure
drop with attached fttings
F
LP
Combined liquid pressure recovery factor and
piping geometry factor of valve with attached
fttings (when there are no attached fttings, F
LP

equals F
L
), dimensionless
q Volume rate of fow
F
P
Piping geometry factor, dimensionless q
max
Maximum fow rate (choked fow conditions)
at given upstream conditions
G
f
Liquid specifc gravity (ratio of density of liquid at
fowing temperature to density of water at 60F),
dimensionless
T
1
Absolute upstream temperature
(deg Kelvin or deg Rankine)
G
g
Gas specifc gravity (ratio of density of fowing
gas to density of air with both at standard
conditions
(1)
, i.e., ratio of molecular weight of gas
to molecular weight of air), dimensionless
w Mass rate of fow
k Ratio of specifc heats, dimensionless x
Ratio of pressure drop to upstream absolute
static pressure (P/P
1
), dimensionless
K Head loss coeffcient of a device, dimensionless x
T
Rated pressure drop ratio factor, dimensionless
M Molecular weight, dimensionless Y
Expansion factor (ratio of fow coeffcient for a
gas to that for a liquid at the same Reynolds
number), dimensionless
N Numerical constant
Z Compressibility factor, dimensionless

1
Specifc weight at inlet conditions
Kinematic viscosity, centistokes
1. Standard conditions are defned as 60F and 14.7 psia.
Table 3-2. Equation Constants
(1)
N w q p
(2)
T d, D
N
1
0.0865
0.865
1.00
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
Nm
3
/h
Nm
3
/h
GPM
kPa
bar
psia
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
N
2
0.00214
890
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
mm
inch
N
5
0.00241
1000
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
mm
inch
N
6
2.73
27.3
63.3
kg/hr
kg/hr
pound/hr
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
kPa
bar
psia
kg/m
3
kg/m
3
pound/ft
3
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
N
7
(3)
Normal Conditions
T
N
= 0C
3.94
394
- - - -
- - - -
Nm
3
/h
Nm
3
/h
kPa
bar
- - - -
- - - -
deg Kelvin
deg Kelvin
- - - -
- - - -
Standard Conditions
T
s
= 16C
4.17
417
- - - -
- - - -
Nm
3
/h
Nm
3
/h
kPa
bar
- - - -
- - - -
deg Kelvin
deg Kelvin
- - - -
- - - -
Standard Conditions
T
s
= 60F
1360 - - - - SCFH psia - - - - deg Rankine - - - -
N
8
0.948
94.8
19.3
kg/hr
kg/hr
pound/hr
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
kPa
bar
psia
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
deg Kelvin
deg Kelvin
deg Rankine
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
N
9
(3)
Normal Conditions
T
N
= 0C
21.2
2120
- - - -
- - - -
Nm
3
/h
Nm
3
/h
kPa
bar
- - - -
- - - -
deg Kelvin
deg Kelvin
- - - -
- - - -
Standard Conditions
T
S
= 16C
22.4
2240
- - - -
- - - -
Nm
3
/h
Nm
3
/h
kPa
bar
- - - -
- - - -
deg Kelvin
deg Kelvin
- - - -
- - - -
Standard Conditions
T
S
= 60F
7320 - - - - SCFH psia - - - - deg Rankine - - - -
1. Many of the equations used in these sizing procedures contain a numerical constant, N, along with a numerical subscript. These numerical constants provide a means for using
different units in the equations. Values for the various constants and the applicable units are given in the above table. For example, if the fow rate is given in U.S. GPM and
the pressures are psia, N
1
has a value of 1.00. If the fow rate is Nm
3
/h and the pressures are kPa, the N
1
constant becomes 0.0865.
2. All pressures are absolute.
3. Pressure base is 101.3 kPa (1,01 bar) (14.7 psia).
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
637
TECHNICAL
Determining Piping Geometry Factor (F
p
)
Determine an F
p
factor if any fttings such as reducers, elbows, or
tees will be directly attached to the inlet and outlet connections
of the control valve that is to be sized. When possible, it is
recommended that F
p
factors be determined experimentally by
using the specifed valve in actual tests.
Calculate the F
p
factor using the following equation:

F
p
= 1 +
K
N
2
C
v
d
2
2
-1/2
where,
N
2
= Numerical constant found in the Equation Constants table
d = Assumed nominal valve size
C
v
= Valve sizing coeffcient at 100% travel for the assumed
valve size
In the above equation, the K term is the algebraic sum of the
velocity head loss coeffcients of all of the fttings that are attached to
the control valve.
K = K
1
+ K
2
+ K
B1
- K
B2
where,
K
1
= Resistance coeffcient of upstream fttings
K
2
= Resistance coeffcient of downstream fttings
K
B1
= Inlet Bernoulli coeffcient
K
B2
= Outlet Bernoulli coeffcient
The Bernoulli coeffcients, K
B1
and K
B2
, are used only when the
diameter of the piping approaching the valve is different from the
diameter of the piping leaving the valve, whereby:
K
B1
or K
B2
= 1-
d
D
where,
d = Nominal valve size
D = Internal diameter of piping
If the inlet and outlet piping are of equal size, then the Bernoulli
coeffcients are also equal, K
B1
= K
B2
, and therefore they are dropped
from the equation.
The most commonly used ftting in control valve installations is
the short-length concentric reducer. The equations for this ftting
are as follows:
For an inlet reducer:
K
1
= 0.5
1-
d
2
D
2
2
4
For an outlet reducer:
K
2
= 1.0 1-
d
2
D
2
2

For a valve installed between identical reducers:
K
1
+ K
2
= 1.5 1-
d
2
D
2
2
Determining Maximum Flow Rate (q
max
)
Determine either q
max
or P
max
if it is possible for choked fow to
develop within the control valve that is to be sized. The values can
be determined by using the following procedures.

q
max
= N
1
F
L
C
V
P
1
- F
F
P
V
G
f
Values for F
F
, the liquid critical pressure ratio factor, can be
obtained from Figure 3-1, or from the following equation:

F
F
= 0.96 - 0.28
P
V
P
C
Values of F
L
, the recovery factor for rotary valves installed without
fttings attached, can be found in published coeffcient tables. If the
given valve is to be installed with fttings such as reducer attached to
it, F
L
in the equation must be replaced by the quotient F
LP
/F
P
, where:

F
LP
=
K
1
N
2
C
V
d
2
2
+
1
F
L
2
-1/2
and
K
1
= K
1
+ K
B1
where,
K
1
= Resistance coeffcient of upstream fttings
K
B1
= Inlet Bernoulli coeffcient
(See the procedure for Determining F
p
, the Piping Geometry Factor,
for defnitions of the other constants and coeffcients used in the
above equations.)
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
638
TECHNICAL
L
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L

P
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S
S
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R
E

R
A
T
I
O
F
A
C
T
O
R

F
F
ABSOLUTE VAPOR PRESSURE-bar
ABSOLUTE VAPOR PRESSURE-PSIA
USE THIS CURVE FOR WATER, ENTER ON THE ABSCISSA AT THE WATER VAPOR
PRESSURE AT THE VALVE INLET, PROCEED VERTICALLY TO INTERSECT THE CURVE,
MOVE HORIZONTALLY TO THE LEFT TO READ THE CRITICAL PRESSURE RATIO, F
F
, ON
THE ORDINATE.
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
34 69 103 138 172 207 241
A2737-1
Figure 3-1. Liquid Critical Pressure Ratio Factor for Water
Determining Allowable Sizing Pressure Drop (P
max
)
P
max
(the allowable sizing pressure drop) can be determined from
the following relationships:
For valves installed without fttings:
P
max(L)
= F
L
2
(P
1
- F
F
P
V
)
For valves installed with fttings attached:
P
max(LP)
=
F
LP
F
P
2
(P
1
- F
F
P
V
)
where,
P
1
= Upstream absolute static pressure
P
2
= Downstream absolute static pressure
P
v
= Absolute vapor pressure at inlet temperature
Values of F
F
, the liquid critical pressure ratio factor, can be obtained
from Figure 3-1 or from the following equation:
F
F
= 0.96 - 0.28
P
V
P
c

An explanation of how to calculate values of F
LP
, the recovery
factor for valves installed with fttings attached, is presented in the
preceding procedure Determining q
max
(the Maximum Flow Rate).
Once the P
max
value has been obtained from the appropriate
equation, it should be compared with the actual service pressure
differential (P

= P
1
- P
2
). If P
max
is less than P, this is an
indication that choked fow conditions will exist under the service
conditions specifed. If choked fow conditions do exist (P
max
< P
1
- P
2
), then step 5 of the procedure for Sizing Valves for
Liquids must be modifed by replacing the actual service pressure
differential (P
1
- P
2
) in the appropriate valve sizing equation with
the calculated P
max
value.
Note
Once it is known that choked fow conditions will
develop within the specifed valve design (P
max
is
calculated to be less than P), a further distinction
can be made to determine whether the choked
fow is caused by cavitation or fashing. The
choked fow conditions are caused by fashing if
the outlet pressure of the given valve is less than
the vapor pressure of the fowing liquid. The
choked fow conditions are caused by cavitation if
the outlet pressure of the valve is greater than the
vapor pressure of the fowing liquid.
Liquid Sizing Sample Problem
Assume an installation that, at initial plant startup, will not be
operating at maximum design capability. The lines are sized
for the ultimate system capacity, but there is a desire to install a
control valve now which is sized only for currently anticipated
requirements. The line size is 8-inch (DN 200) and an ASME
CL300 globe valve with an equal percentage cage has been
specifed. Standard concentric reducers will be used to install the
valve into the line. Determine the appropriate valve size.
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
639
TECHNICAL
1. Specify the necessary variables required to size the valve:
Desired Valve DesignASME CL300 globe valve with
equal percentage cage and an assumed valve size of 3-inches.
Process Fluidliquid propane
Service Conditionsq = 800 GPM (3028 l/min)
P
1
= 300 psig (20,7 bar) = 314.7 psia (21,7 bar a)
P
2
= 275 psig (19,0 bar) = 289.7 psia (20,0 bar a)
P = 25 psi (1,7 bar)
T
1
= 70F (21C)
G
f
= 0.50
P
v
= 124.3 psia (8,6 bar a)
P
c
= 616.3 psia (42,5 bar a)
2. Use an N
1
value of 1.0 from the Equation Constants table.
3. Determine F
p
, the piping geometry factor.
Because it is proposed to install a 3-inch valve in
an 8-inch (DN 200) line, it will be necessary to determine
the piping geometry factor, F
p
, which corrects for losses
caused by fttings attached to the valve.
F
p
= 1 +
K
N
2
C
v
d
2
2
-1/2

where,
N
2
= 890, from the Equation Constants table
d = 3-inch (76 mm), from step 1
C
v
= 121, from the fow coeffcient table for an ASME CL300,
3-inch globe valve with equal percentage cage
To compute K for a valve installed between identical
concentric reducers:
K = K
1
+ K
2

= 1.5 1 -
d
2
D
2
2
= 1.5 1 -
(3)
2
(8)
2
2
= 1.11
USE THIS CURVE FOR LIQUIDS OTHER THAN WATER. DETERMINE THE VAPOR PRESSURE/
CRITICAL PRESSURE RATIO BY DIVIDING THE LIQUID VAPOR PRESSURE AT THE VALVE INLET
BY THE CRITICAL PRESSURE OF THE LIQUID. ENTER ON THE ABSCISSA AT THE RATIO JUST
CALCULATED AND PROCEED VERTICALLY TO INTERSECT THE CURVE. MOVE HORIZONTALLY
TO THE LEFT AND READ THE CRITICAL PRESSURE RATIO, F
F
, ON THE ORDINATE.
Figure 3-2. Liquid Critical Pressure Ratio Factor for Liquids Other Than Water
ABSOLUTE VAPOR PRESSURE
ABSOLUTE THERMODYNAMIC CRITICAL PRESSURE
P
v
P
c
0 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
0.80 0.90 1.00
L
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D

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R
I
T
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A
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F
F
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
640
TECHNICAL
where,
D = 8-inch (203 mm), the internal diameter of the piping so,
F
p
= 1 +
1.11
890
121
3
2
2
-1/2

= 0.90
4. Determine P
max
(the Allowable Sizing Pressure Drop.)
Based on the small required pressure drop, the fow will not
be choked (P
max
> P).
5. Solve for C
v
, using the appropriate equation.
C
v


=
q
N
1
F
p
P
1
- P
2
G
f

=
800
(1.0) (0.90)
25
0.5

= 125.7
6. Select the valve size using the fow coeffcient table and the
calculated C
v
value.
The required C
v
of 125.7 exceeds the capacity of the assumed
valve, which has a C
v
of 121. Although for this example it
may be obvious that the next larger size (4-inch) would
be the correct valve size, this may not always be true, and a
repeat of the above procedure should be carried out.
Assuming a 4-inches valve, C
v
= 203. This value was
determined from the fow coeffcient table for an ASME
CL300, 4-inch globe valve with an equal percentage cage.
Recalculate the required C
v
using an assumed C
v
value of
203 in the F
p
calculation.
where,
K = K
1
+ K
2
= 1.5 1 -
2
d
2
D
2
= 1.5
1 -
2
16
64
= 0.84
and
F
p
= 1.0 +
K
N
2
C
v
d
2
2
-1/2

= 1.0 +
0.84
890
203
4
2
2
-1/2
= 0.93
and
C
v
=
N
1
F
p
P
1
- P
2
G
f
q

=
(1.0) (0.93)
25
0.5
800

= 121.7
This solution indicates only that the 4-inch valve is large enough to
satisfy the service conditions given. There may be cases, however,
where a more accurate prediction of the C
v
is required. In such
cases, the required C
v
should be redetermined using a new F
p
value
based on the C
v
value obtained above. In this example, C
v
is 121.7,
which leads to the following result:
F
p
= 1.0 +
K
N
2
C
v
d
2
2
-1/2
= 1.0 +
0.84
890
121.7
4
2
2
-1/2

= 0.97
The required C
v
then becomes:
C
v
=
N
1
F
p
P
1
- P
2
G
f
q
=
(1.0) (0.97)
25
0.5
800

= 116.2
Because this newly determined C
v
is very close to the C
v
used
initially for this recalculation (116.2 versus 121.7), the valve sizing
procedure is complete, and the conclusion is that a 4-inch valve
opened to about 75% of total travel should be adequate for the
required specifcations.
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
641
TECHNICAL
Gas and Steam Valve Sizing
Sizing Valves for Compressible Fluids
Following is a six-step procedure for the sizing of control valves
for compressible fow using the ISA standardized procedure.
Each of these steps is important and must be considered
during any valve sizing procedure. Steps 3 and 4 concern the
determination of certain sizing factors that may or may not
be required in the sizing equation depending on the service
conditions of the sizing problem. If it is necessary for one or
both of these sizing factors to be included in the sizing equation
for a particular sizing problem, refer to the appropriate factor
determination section(s), which is referenced and located in the
following text.
1. Specify the necessary variables required to size the valve
as follows:
Desired valve design (e.g. balanced globe with linear cage)
Process fuid (air, natural gas, steam, etc.) and
Appropriate service conditions
q, or w, P
1
, P
2
or P, T
1
, G
g
, M, k, Z, and
1
The ability to recognize which terms are appropriate
for a specifc sizing procedure can only be acquired through
experience with different valve sizing problems. If any
of the above terms appear to be new or unfamiliar, refer to
the Abbreviations and Terminology Table 3-1 in Liquid
Valve Sizing Section for a complete defnition.
2. Determine the equation constant, N.
N is a numerical constant contained in each of the fow
equations to provide a means for using different systems of
units. Values for these various constants and their applicable
units are given in the Equation Constants Table 3-2 in
Liquid Valve Sizing Section.
Use either N
7
or N
9
if sizing the valve for a fow rate in
volumetric units (SCFH or Nm
3
/h). Which of the two
constants to use depends upon the specifed service
conditions. N
7
can be used only if the specifc gravity, G
g
,
of the following gas has been specifed along with the other
required service conditions. N
9
can be used only if the
molecular weight, M, of the gas has been specifed.
Use either N
6
or N
8
if sizing the valve for a fow rate in mass
units (pound/hr or kg/hr). Which of the two constants to use
depends upon the specifed service conditions. N
6
can
be used only if the specifc weight,
1
, of the fowing gas has
been specifed along with the other required service
conditions. N
8
can be used only if the molecular weight, M,
of the gas has been specifed.
3. Determine F
p
, the piping geometry factor.
F
p
is a correction factor that accounts for any pressure losses
due to piping fttings such as reducers, elbows, or tees that
might be attached directly to the inlet and outlet connections
of the control valves to be sized. If such fttings are attached
to the valve, the F
p
factor must be considered in the sizing
procedure. If, however, no fttings are attached to the valve, F
p

has a value of 1.0 and simply drops out of the sizing equation.
Also, for rotary valves with reducers and other valve designs
and ftting styles, determine the F
p
factors by using the procedure
for Determining F
p
, the Piping Geometry Factor, which is located
in Liquid Valve Sizing Section.
4. Determine Y, the expansion factor, as follows:
where,
F
k
= k/1.4, the ratio of specifc heats factor
k = Ratio of specifc heats
x = P/P
1
, the pressure drop ratio
x
T
= The pressure drop ratio factor for valves installed without
attached fttings. More defnitively, x
T
is the pressure
drop ratio required to produce critical, or maximum, fow
through the valve when F
k
= 1.0
If the control valve to be installed has fttings such as reducers
or elbows attached to it, then their effect is accounted for in the
expansion factor equation by replacing the x
T
term with a new
factor x
TP
. A procedure for determining the x
TP
factor is
described in the following section for Determining x
TP
, the
Pressure Drop Ratio Factor.
Note
Conditions of critical pressure drop are realized
when the value of x becomes equal to or exceeds the
appropriate value of the product of either F
k
x
T
or
F
k
x
TP
at which point:
Although in actual service, pressure drop ratios can, and often
will, exceed the indicated critical values, this is the point where
critical fow conditions develop. Thus, for a constant P
1
,
decreasing P
2
(i.e., increasing P) will not result in an increase in
the fow rate through the valve. Values of x, therefore, greater
than the product of either F
k
x
T
or F
k
x
TP
must never be substituted
in the expression for Y. This means that Y can never be less
than 0.667. This same limit on values of x also applies to the fow
equations that are introduced in the next section.
5. Solve for the required C
v
using the appropriate equation:
For volumetric fow rate units
If the specifc gravity, G
g
, of the gas has been specifed:
y = 1 - = 1 - 1/3 = 0.667
x
3F
k
x
T
Y = 1 -
x
3F
k
x
T
C
v
=
q
N
7
F
P
P
1
Y
G
g
T
1
Z
x
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
642
TECHNICAL
If the molecular weight, M, of the gas has been specifed:
For mass fow rate units
If the specifc weight,
1
, of the gas has been specifed:
If the molecular weight, M, of the gas has been specifed:
In addition to C
v
, two other fow coeffcients, K
v
and A
v
, are
used, particularly outside of North America. The following
relationships exist:
K
v
= (0.865)(C
v
)
A
v
= (2.40 x 10
-5
)(C
v
)
6. Select the valve size using the appropriate fow coeffcient table
and the calculated C
v
value.
Determining x
TP
, the Pressure Drop Ratio Factor
If the control valve is to be installed with attached fttings such as
reducers or elbows, then their effect is accounted for in the expansion
factor equation by replacing the x
T
term with a new factor, x
TP
.
where,
N
5
= Numerical constant found in the Equation Constants table
d = Assumed nominal valve size
C
v
= Valve sizing coeffcient from fow coeffcient table at
100% travel for the assumed valve size
F
p
= Piping geometry factor
x
T
= Pressure drop ratio for valves installed without fttings attached.
x
T
values are included in the fow coeffcient tables
In the above equation, K
i
, is the inlet head loss coeffcient, which is
defned as:
K
i
= K
1
+ K
B1
where,
K
1
= Resistance coeffcient of upstream fttings (see the procedure
for Determining F
p
, the Piping Geometry Factor, which is
contained in the section for Sizing Valves for Liquids).
K
B1
= Inlet Bernoulli coeffcient (see the procedure for Determining
F
p
, the Piping Geometry Factor, which is contained in the
section for Sizing Valves for Liquids).
Compressible Fluid Sizing Sample Problem No. 1
Determine the size and percent opening for a Fisher

Design V250
ball valve operating with the following service conditions. Assume
that the valve and line size are equal.
1. Specify the necessary variables required to size the valve:
Desired valve designDesign V250 valve
Process fuidNatural gas
Service conditions
P
1
= 200 psig (13,8 bar) = 214.7 psia (14,8 bar)
P
2
= 50 psig (3,4 bar) = 64.7 psia (4,5 bar)
P = 150 psi (10,3 bar)
x = P/P
1
= 150/214.7 = 0.70
T
1
= 60F (16C) = 520R
M = 17.38
G
g
= 0.60
k = 1.31
q = 6.0 x 10
6
SCFH
2. Determine the appropriate equation constant, N, from the
Equation Constants Table 3-2 in Liquid Valve Sizing Section.
Because both G
g
and M have been given in the service
conditions, it is possible to use an equation containing either N
7
or N
9
. In either case, the end result will be the same. Assume
that the equation containing G
g
has been arbitrarily selected for
this problem. Therefore, N
7
= 1360.
3. Determine F
p
, the piping geometry factor.
Since valve and line size are assumed equal, F
p
= 1.0.
4. Determine Y, the expansion factor.
F
k
=
=
= 0.94
It is assumed that an 8-inch Design V250 valve will be adequate
for the specifed service conditions. From the fow coeffcient
Table 4-2, x
T
for an 8-inch Design V250 valve at 100% travel
is 0.137.
x = 0.70 (This was calculated in step 1.)
C
v
=
q
N
7
F
P
P
1
Y
M T
1
Z
x
C
v
=
w
N
6
F
P
Y x P
1

1
C
v
=
w
N
8
F
P
P
1
Y
T
1
Z
x M
k
1.40
1.40
1.31
x
TP
= 1 +
x
T

F
p
2

x
T
K
i
N
5
C
v

d
2

2

-1
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
643
TECHNICAL
Since conditions of critical pressure drop are realized
when the calculated value of x becomes equal to or
exceeds the appropriate value of F
k
x
T
, these values
should be compared.
F
k
x
T
= (0.94) (0.137)
= 0.129
Because the pressure drop ratio, x = 0.70 exceeds the
calculated critical value, F
k
x
T
= 0.129, choked fow
conditions are indicated. Therefore, Y = 0.667, and
x = F
k
x
T
= 0.129.
5. Solve for required C
v
using the appropriate equation.
The compressibility factor, Z, can be assumed to be 1.0 for
the gas pressure and temperature given and F
p
= 1 because
valve size and line size are equal.
So,
6. Select the valve size using the fow coeffcient table and
the calculated C
v
value.
The above result indicates that the valve is adequately sized
(rated C
v
= 2190). To determine the percent valve opening,
note that the required C
v
occurs at approximately 83 degrees
for the 8-inch Design V250 valve. Note also that, at
83 degrees opening, the x
T
value is 0.252, which is
substantially different from the rated value of 0.137 used
initially in the problem. The next step is to rework the
problem using the x
T
value for 83 degrees travel.
The F
k
x
T
product must now be recalculated.
x = F
k
x
T
= (0.94) (0.252)
= 0.237
The required C
v
now becomes:
The reason that the required C
v
has dropped so dramatically
is attributable solely to the difference in the x
T
values at rated
and 83 degrees travel. A C
v
of 1118 occurs between 75 and
80 degrees travel.
The appropriate fow coeffcient table indicates that x
T
is higher at
75 degrees travel than at 80 degrees travel. Therefore, if the
problem were to be reworked using a higher x
T
value, this should
result in a further decline in the calculated required C
v
.
Reworking the problem using the x
T
value corresponding to
78 degrees travel (i.e., x
T
= 0.328) leaves:
x = F
k
x
T
= (0.94) (0.328)
= 0.308
and,
The above C
v
of 980 is quite close to the 75 degree travel C
v
. The
problem could be reworked further to obtain a more precise predicted
opening; however, for the service conditions given, an 8-inch
Design V250 valve installed in an 8-inch (203 mm) line
will be approximately 75 degrees open.
Compressible Fluid Sizing Sample Problem No. 2
Assume steam is to be supplied to a process designed to operate at
250 psig (17 bar). The supply source is a header maintained at
500 psig (34,5 bar) and 500F (260C). A 6-inch (DN 150) line
from the steam main to the process is being planned. Also, make
the assumption that if the required valve size is less than 6-inch
(DN 150), it will be installed using concentric reducers. Determine
the appropriate Design ED valve with a linear cage.
1. Specify the necessary variables required to size the valve:
a. Desired valve designASME CL300 Design ED valve
with a linear cage. Assume valve size is 4 inches.
b. Process fuidsuperheated steam
c. Service conditions
w = 125 000 pounds/hr (56 700 kg/hr)
P
1
= 500 psig (34,5 bar) = 514.7 psia (35,5 bar)
P
2
= 250 psig (17 bar) = 264.7 psia (18,3 bar)
P = 250 psi (17 bar)
x = P/P
1
= 250/514.7 = 0.49
T
1
= 500F (260C)

1
= 1.0434 pound/ft
3
(16,71 kg/m
3
)
(from Properties of Saturated Steam Table)
k = 1.28 (from Properties of Saturated Steam Table)
C
v
=
q
N
7
F
P
P
1
Y
G
g
T
1
Z
x
C
v
= = 1515
6.0 x 10
6
(1360)(1.0)(214.7)(0.667)
(0.6)(520)(1.0)
0.129
C
v
=
q
N
7
F
P
P
1
Y
G
g
T
1
Z
x
=
6.0 x 10
6
(1360)(1.0)(214.7)(0.667)
(0.6)(520)(1.0)
0.237
= 1118
C
v
=
q
N
7
F
P
P
1
Y
G
g
T
1
Z
x
=
6.0 x 10
6
(1360)(1.0)(214.7)(0.667)
(0.6)(520)(1.0)
0.308
= 980
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
644
TECHNICAL
Because the 4-inch valve is to be installed in a 6-inch line, the x
T

term must be replaced by x
TP
.
where,
N
5
= 1000, from the Equation Constants Table
d = 4 inches
F
p
= 0.95, determined in step 3
x
T
= 0.688, a value determined from the appropriate
listing in the fow coeffcient table
C
v
= 236, from step 3
and
K
i
= K
1
+ K
B1
= 0.96
where D = 6-inch
so:
Finally:
5. Solve for required C
v
using the appropriate equation.
2. Determine the appropriate equation constant, N, from the
Equation Constants Table 3-2 in Liquid Valve Sizing Section.
Because the specifed fow rate is in mass units, (pound/hr), and
the specifc weight of the steam is also specifed, the only sizing
equation that can be used is that which contains the N
6
constant.
Therefore,
N
6
= 63.3
3. Determine F
p
, the piping geometry factor.

where,
N
2
= 890, determined from the Equation Constants Table
d = 4 inches
C
v
= 236, which is the value listed in the fow coeffcient
Table 4-3 for a 4-inch Design ED valve at 100%
total travel.
K = K
1
+ K
2
Finally,
4. Determine Y, the expansion factor.
where,

F
p
= 1 +
K
N
2
C
v

d
2

2

-1/2
= 1.5 1 -
d
2

D
2

2

= 1.5 1 -
4
2

6
2

2

= 0.463
F
p
= 1 +
0.463 (1.0)(236)
2

-1/2
890 (4)
2
= 0.95
Y = 1 -
x
3F
k
x
TP
F
k
=
k
1.40
=
1.40
1.28
= 0.91
x = 0.49 (As calculated in step 1.)
x
TP
= 1 +
x
T

F
p
2

x
T
K
i
N
5
C
v

d
2

2

-1
= 0.5 1 - + 1 -
d
2
D
2
D
4

d
= 0.5 1 - + 1 -
4
2
6
2
6
4

4
x
TP
= 1 + = 0.67
0.69 236
4
2

2

-1
0.95
2

(0.69)(0.96)
1000
Y = 1 -
x
3 F
k
x
TP
= 1 -
0.49
(3) (0.91) (0.67)
= 0.73
C
v
=
w
N
6
F
P
Y x P
1

1
=
125,000
(63.3)(0.95)(0.73)
(0.49)(514.7)(1.0434)
= 176
2
2
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
645
TECHNICAL
VALVE SIZE,
INCHES
VALVE STYLE
DEGREES OF
VALVE OPENING
C
V
F
L
X
T
F
D
1
V-Notch Ball Valve 60
90
15.6
34.0
0.86
0.86
0.53
0.42
- - - -
- - - -
1-1/2
V-Notch Ball Valve 60
90
28.5
77.3
0.85
0.74
0.50
0.27
- - - -
- - - -
2
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
59.2
132
58.9
80.2
0.81
0.77
0.76
0.71
0.53
0.41
0.50
0.44
- - - -
- - - -
0.49
0.70
3
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
120
321
115
237
0.80
0.74
0.81
0.64
0.50
0.30
0.46
0.28
0.92
0.99
0.49
0.70
4
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
195
596
270
499
0.80
0.62
0.69
0.53
0.52
0.22
0.32
0.19
0.92
0.99
0.49
0.70
6
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
340
1100
664
1260
0.80
0.58
0.66
0.55
0.52
0.20
0.33
0.20
0.91
0.99
0.49
0.70
8
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
518
1820
1160
2180
0.82
0.54
0.66
0.48
0.54
0.18
0.31
0.19
0.91
0.99
0.49
0.70
10
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
1000
3000
1670
3600
0.80
0.56
0.66
0.48
0.47
0.19
0.38
0.17
0.91
0.99
0.49
0.70
12
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
1530
3980
2500
5400
0.78
0.63
- - - -
- - - -
0.49
0.25
- - - -
- - - -
0.92
0.99
0.49
0.70
16
V-Notch Ball Valve
High Performance Butterfy Valve
60
90
60
90
2380
8270
3870
8600
0.80
0.37
0.69
0.52
0.45
0.13
0.40
0.23
0.92
1.00
- - - -
- - - -
BODY SIZE,
INCHES (DN)
LINEAR CAGE
Line Size Equals Body Size 2:1 Line Size to Body Size
X
T
F
D
F
L
C
v
C
v
Regulating Wide-Open Regulating Wide-Open
1 (25) 16.8 17.7 17.2 18.1 0.806 0.43
0.84
2 (50) 63.3 66.7 59.6 62.8 0.820 0.35
3 (80) 132 139 128 135 0.779 0.30
4 (100) 202 213 198 209 0.829 0.28
6 (150) 397 418 381 404 0.668 0.28
BODY SIZE,
INCHES (DN)
WHISPER TRIM
TM
CAGE
Line Size Equals Body Size Piping 2:1 Line Size to Body Size Piping
X
T
F
D
F
L
C
v
C
v
Regulating Wide-Open Regulating Wide-Open
1 (25) 16.7 17.6 15.6 16.4 0.753 0.10
0.89
2 (50) 54 57 52 55 0.820 0.07
3 (80) 107 113 106 110 0.775 0.05
4 (100) 180 190 171 180 0.766 0.04
6 (150) 295 310 291 306 0.648 0.03
Valve Sizing (Standardized Method)
646
TECHNICAL
6. Select the valve size using fow coeffcient tables and the
calculated C
v

value.
Refer to the fow coeffcient Table 4-3 for Design ED valves with
linear cage. Because the assumed 4-inch valve has a C
v
of 236 at
100% travel and the next smaller size (3-inch) has a C
v
of
only 148, it can be surmised that the assumed size is correct. In
the event that the calculated required C
v
had been small enough
to have been handled by the next smaller size, or if it had been
larger than the rated C
v
for the assumed size, it would have been
necessary to rework the problem again using values for the new
assumed size.
7. Sizing equations for compressible fuids.
The equations listed below identify the relationships between
fow rates, fow coeffcients, related installation factors, and
pertinent service conditions for control valves handling
compressible fuids. Flow rates for compressible fuids may
be encountered in either mass or volume units and thus equations
are necessary to handle both situations. Flow coeffcients may be
calculated using the appropriate equations selected from the
following. A sizing fow chart for compressible fuids is given in
Annex B.
The fow rate of a compressible fuid varies as a function of the
ratio of the pressure differential to the absolute inlet pressure
( P/P
1
), designated by the symbol x. At values of x near zero,
the equations in this section can be traced to the basic Bernoulli
equation for Newtonian incompressible fuids. However,
increasing values of x result in expansion and compressibility
effects that require the use of appropriate factors (see Buresh,
Schuder, and Driskell references).
7.1 Turbulent fow
7.1.1 Non-choked turbulent fow
7.1.1.1 Non-choked turbulent fow without attached fttings
[Applicable if x < F

x
T
]
The fow coeffcient shall be calculated using one of the
following equations:
Eq. 6
Eq. 7
Eq. 8a
Eq. 8b
NOTE 1 Refer to 8.5 for details of the expansion factor Y.
NOTE 2 See Annex C for values of M.
7.1.1.2 Non-choked turbulent fow with attached fttings
[Applicable if x < F

x
TP
]
C =
W
N
6
Y xP
1

1
C =
N
8
P
1
Y
W
xM
T
1
Z
C =
N
9
P
1
Y
Q
x
MT
1
Z
C =
N
7
P
1
Y
Q
x
G
g
T
1
Z
VALVE SIZE,
INCHES
VALVE PLUG
STYLE
FLOW
CHARACTERISTICS
PORT DIAMETER,
INCHES (mm)
RATED TRAVEL,
INCHES (mm)
C
V
F
L
X
T
F
D
1/2 Post Guided Equal Percentage 0.38 (9,7) 0.50 (12,7) 2.41 0.90 0.54 0.61
3/4 Post Guided Equal Percentage 0.56 (14,2) 0.50 (12,7) 5.92 0.84 0.61 0.61
1
Micro-Form
TM
Cage Guided
Equal Percentage
Linear
Equal Percentage
3/8
1/2
3/4
1-5/16
1-5/16
(9,5)
(12,7)
(19,1)
(33,3)
(33,3)
3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
(19,1)
(19,1)
(19,1)
(19,1)
(19,1)
3.07
4.91
8.84
20.6
17.2
0.89
0.93
0.97
0.84
0.88
0.66
0.80
0.92
0.64
0.67
0.72
0.67
0.62
0.34
0.38
1-1/2
Micro-Form
TM
Cage Guided
Equal Percentage
Linear
Equal Percentage
3/8
1/2
3/4
1-7/8
1-7/8
(9,5)
(12,7)
(19,1)
(47,6)
(47,6)
3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4
(19,1)
(19,1)
(19,1)
(19,1)
(19,1)
3.20
5.18
10.2
39.2
35.8
0.84
0.91
0.92
0.82
0.84
0.65
0.71
0.80
0.66
0.68
0.72
0.67
0.62
0.34
0.38
2 Cage Guided
Linear
Equal Percentage
2-5/16
2-5/16
(58,7)
(58,7)
1-1/8
1-1/8
(28,6)
(28,6)
72.9
59.7
0.77
0.85
0.64
0.69
0.33
0.31
3 Cage Guided
Linear
Equal Percentage
3-7/16 (87,3) 1-1/2 (38,1) 148
136
0.82
0.82
0.62
0.68
0.30
0.32 - - - - - - - -
4 Cage Guided
Linear
Equal Percentage
4-3/8 (111) 2 (50,8) 236
224
0.82
0.82
0.69
0.72
0.28
0.28 - - - - - - - -
6 Cage Guided
Linear
Equal Percentage
7 (178) 2 (50,8) 433
394
0.84
0.85
0.74
0.78
0.28
0.26 - - - - - - - -
8 Cage Guided
Linear
Equal Percentage
8 (203) 3 (76,2) 846
818
0.87
0.86
0.81
0.81
0.31
0.26 - - - - - - - -